§ 19. Mr. Weatherillasked the Postmaster-General if, following the proposed increase in postal charges, he will ensure that all postmen are issued with modern delivery equipment.
§ Mr. BennEquipment for postmen is intended to give efficient service. Some new equipment is now under trial. We should always welcome ideas from manufacturers or others for further improvement.
§ Mr. WeatherillIs the right hon. Gentlemen aware that in many parts of my constituency the post is delivered by handcarts of pre-1914 vintage? In view of the fact that private industry is constantly being urged to modernise itself and to keep its costs down, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Government's oldest monopoly should set an example?
§ Mr. BennHandcarts are in use, but are being replaced. The Post Office now has 18,000 vehicles, including electric trucks, and makes use of mopeds. Studies are going on on the potentiality of other three-wheeled vehicles, vehicles with special easy access, and pedestrian-controlled vehicles. This is part of the replacement programme, which we expect to accelerate.